The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, along with all the provincial, territorial and regional chambers across the country issued the following statement today:
“The U.S. government is in the midst of its first partial shutdown in 17 years, and there continues to be no signs of negotiations or compromise from the Congress or the White House.
The budget cuts could mean significant cuts across all agencies in the U.S., including personnel at the Canada-U.S. border.
Businesses on both sides of the border will suffer from understaffing not to mention the potential effects on our security. Increased wait times will cost industry billions of dollars, individual travelers would also face major delays trying to cross the border.
So much of our trade relies on the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across America’s border, with cross border trade accounting to $1 million per minute. A significant decrease in U.S. border staff would have a serious impact on the already-fragile economic growth in both of our countries. Neither Canada nor the U.S. can afford to let it happen
The Canadian Chamber network will continue to monitor progress on this issue and keep its members informed of any developments. ”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Alberta Chamber of Commerce
The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
The Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce
The Yukon Chamber of Commerce
La Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
